Poisonous platitudes

Authorities in Russia are mouthing the usual platitudes after the execution-style slaying of Natalya Estemirova, the latest in a string of killings of human rights advocates who dare to focus on Moscow's brutal policies in Chechnya. Just don't expect them to do anything about it.

Strangely, none of the murders has been solved to date, including that of crusading journalist Anna Politkovskaya in 2006 -- though Russia's authoritarian rulers are not usually deterred when they want a suspect.

It's no stretch to suggest Estemirova was murdered by the state. She has been threatened and denounced by Chechen authorities, and Kadyrov himself called her to his office last year to threaten her personally.

A member of her advocacy group, Memorial, drew this conclusion: "With Natasha's murder, Kadyrov drew the line and sent a message to human rights groups: 'I won't tolerate you.'"

In Moscow, Medvedev said cryptically: "Unfortunately, it is apparent that this premeditated murder may be related to Natalya Estemirova's human rights activities."